The Polish War Memorial at Spring Close

(Thanks to Ian Lawson)

For those of you who do not know the history here is a summary. The Polish Paratroopers who were based in the village between 1944-45 built a memorial off Park Walk close to their barracks. These remains are on private land and were falling into disrepair so a replacement was built at Spring Close in 1984 by Dennis Ford helped by Jan Szymanski [a paratrooper who returned to the village and married a villager].

This one needed repair, and a group was formed to fund this. Then Covid arrived! On the 31^st October 2021 a storm felled a tree falling right on top of the memorial destroying it.

The Parish Council have been working with a Polish re-enactment group ‘First to Fight’ and some other Polish Organisations who are funding the outstanding rebuilding cost after an insurance payout.

You will have noticed that the memorial is being built in a prominent position and of an improved design.

Villagers ‘Butch’ Baker and sons Will & Max are now close to finishing this fitting tribute to those men who fought at Arnhem. Badges are being made in Poland to be added to Shields to be fitted to the four faces.
Please add the 23^rd September to your diary as we are planning a memorable dedication ceremony.
If you would like to help* please get in touch. We would particularly like to hear from a qualified First Aider:
ian.lawson@eastononthehill-pc.gov.uk

*Putting up the marquee earlier in the week, moving tables and chairs on Friday 22^nd, erecting Road Closure and Diversion Signs on Saturday 23^rd, several Marshalls to line the route from the Blue Bell to Spring Close.